Northstar

FEATURE Talent Development 30 MAY-JUN 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM Long seen as a role for generalists, event planners are gaining recognition as specialists with unique skill sets. Meetings & Conventions Asia takes a look at talent development and evolving industry requirements. WORDS ESTHER FAITH LEW One size doesn't fit all I t's a rare thing to be a master of perfection, and to do so across a myriad of circumstances, locations, programme formats and clients with their combinations of requirements. It's the yin and yang of personality duality all rolled into one dynamic individual with endless energy. That's the stu that planners are made of – and more. More specically, the ideal skill sets of a great planner cover budgeting, contract negotiations, client management, project management, marketing and logistics to successfully execute each project. This is a rare combination of skills that is not often seen and embodied in one profession, said Danny Li, co-founder of AsiaHospitalityCareers.com. I would also add high creativity and a knack for innovative solutions to the list as planners are increasingly tasked to think out of the box and create unique and memorable events. It's a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde combination of traits, as planners not only have to be as meticulous and organised as a researcher but also as ideas-driven as an advertising maven. So what needs to be done to develop this pool of talent and to attract new blood into the community? "The fact is, many younger job seekers view a career very dierently. They have needs and expectations that are dierent from those of previous generations. Competition for talent is strong across all industries and nancial incentives may no longer be the primary motivation. For the MICE industry, understanding how to engage and motivate the next generation of professionals will be key," says Li. With this understanding, the industry will be able to appeal to new talents and clear any lingering misconceptions about the industry. While events planning is a function that is applicable in any industry, many forget that it stands alone as a key industry that drives other industries by promoting economic activity. Be savvy about learning Industry stalwarts are also pushing for professional accreditation of the industry by collaborating with educational institutions to provide certied courses for planners. "Education will also be fundamental in attracting more people into MICE. By introducing MICE earlier into the education cycle as a core study, generating more interest through targeted lectures and career talks, a better understanding on the career prospect and job requirements of the MICE sector can be achieved. It's through such developments that we can bring MICE as a career to the forefront rather than a secondary consideration," says Li. "In every way, MICE is a marketing a marketing channel and the need to analyse and measure eectiveness will be key to planners looking at cost-eective yet innovative solutions to deliver the right outcomes for everyone." DANNY LI, COFOUNDER OF ASIAHOSPITALITYCAREERS. COM.

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